GREAT Advice From Uber-Guru Tom Peters

I have been a fan of Tom Peters since his first book, “In Search of Excellence” was released in 1983. Since that time I have had the opportunity to meet Tom on several occasions and discuss business and leadership with him. Tom is a bona-fide Guru, a provocateur, a thought-leader and curmudgeon. I personally love his style of simply hitting you right in the face with what he wants you to pay attention to. At the end of last year Tom published his Recession46at tompeters.com, aimed at giving people suggestions for dealing with the recession. I think there are some really, really good ideas here – definitely worth reading and paying heed to! Have fun reading Tom’s list and pass it around to your friends and colleagues – we could all use a few good ideas to help us keep motivated and moving forward!

Recession46: Forty-six “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For Dealing with the Recession of 2008-XXXX*

I am constantly asked for “strategies/‘secrets’ for surviving the recession.” I try to appear wise and informed—and parade original, sophisticated thoughts. But if you want to know what’s really going through my head, see the list that follows:

1.You come to work earlier.

2.You leave work later.

3.You work harder.

4.You may well work for less; and, if so, you adapt to the untoward circumstances with a smile—even if it kills you inside.

8.You literally practice your “game face” in the mirror in the morning, and in the loo mid-morning.

9.You give new meaning to the idea and intensive practice of “visible management.”

10.You take better than usual care of yourself and encourage others to do the same— physical well-being significantly impacts mental well-being and response to stress.

11.You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your direction—buy a shovel or a “pre-worn” raincoat on eBay.

12.You try to forget about “the good old days”—nostalgia is self-destructive. (And bores others.)

13.You buck yourself up with the thought that “this too shall pass”—but then remind yourself that it might not pass any time soon, and so you re-dedicate yourself to making the absolute best of what you have now.

14.You work the phones and then work the phones some more—and stay in touch with and on the mind of positively everyone.

41.You mind your manners—and accept others’ lack of manners in the face of their strains.

42.You are kind to all mankind.

43.You keep your shoes shined.

44.You leave the blame game at the office door.

45.You call out the congenital politicians in no uncertain terms.

46.You become a paragon of personal accountability.

Yet another classic Tom Peters list, full of great ideas and advice. Probably a good idea to run back up to the top and read it again!

Hope that helped. Take good care — John Spence

PS – If you have not yet gotten a copy of my new book: Awesomely Simple – essential business strategies for turning ideas into action – they are on special this week on Amazon.com at 42% off the cover price… heck, that is cheaper than I can buy them! Here is a link.

I started to write down the points that I liked the most, but my list got too long. Several of those points relate to actual examples that I am currently experiencing or living. I will certainly pass it on to others. 18-20 & 34 are critical now more than ever!